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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/11/1996Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 9/25/96 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, September 11, 1996, 6:45 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes(4)#17-96 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:48 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Gottlieb, Stutz (6:55 p.m.), Schreiner, Finn & Jinkerson Absent: Commissioner Cheng Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Susan Manca, 4 Planner; Lam Lonberger, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -None. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS TAN, 13910 Page Mill Road (16-96-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool, and tennis court (continued from August 28, 1996). Ms. Manes introduced this item noting the staff report indicated that the architectural feature in the front of the residence that the Planning Commission requested to be reduced (item lb.) had been increased. The second story feature has, in fact, not been altered since the last submittal. Commissioner Finn disclosed he had listened to the tapes of the August 28, 1996 meeting, Lands of Tan. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Darrel Harris, 10091 Streeter, Auburn, project architect, addressed the items noted in the staff report. As stated at the previous meeting, Dr. Tan would prefer not granting a drainage easement over the creek, or he would request a reduction in the size of the easement from 25 feet to 10 feet (condition #28). Mr. Hams also requested the deletion of condition #16. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 September 11, 1996 Page 2 4W T. S. Tan, 22585 Salem Avenue, Cupertino, applicant, indicated many friends and neighbors were present to support their project. The house meets the codes and guidelines as established by the Town. They designed the project according to their taste and needs. He further commented on the changes made to the project from the previous meeting as follows: a reduction of the second floor by 138 square feet; a reduction of the basement by 531 square feet; relocation of the driveway to avoid existing trees and the conservation easement; the elimination of two skylights in the master bedroom/sun room; reduced the area of the skylight at the entry by 46%; reduced the size of windows (window above front door, front living room windows, and master bedroom window); reduced the height of the roof at several places from 27 feet to 24 %: or 25 feet; and minimized the grading at the northeast comer to maintain natural contours. Mr. Tan also had a report from his arborist recommending removal of the 21 'h foot redwood tree and a letter from his neighbor (Charles Garbett) indicating support of the project. Mr. Tan requested approval of the project as submitted. Mrs. Tan, 22585 Salem Avenue, Cupertino, applicant, discussed the design, the location, changes to the plan, and urging approval. Charles Garbett, 13906 Page Mill Road, neighbor, expressed concern regarding the Planning Commission decision at the previous meeting. He felt the project adhered to all codes and ordinances. He questioned the previous request for a reduction in window sizes, skylights and F setback concerns. He did not feel any of this was the Planning Commission's responsibility, ` asking that they not dictate personal taste. Gordon Bloom, 13910 Page Mill Road, voiced support for the project Betty Ng, 12700 Leander Road, supported the project. She felt the applicants should have the right to design a project that fits their life style. She asked for a speedy approval. Patrick Ng, 12700 Leander Road, noted appreciation for the Planning Commission's hard work. He listened to the tape of the previous meeting, suggesting the following: not to impose personal assessment regarding bulkiness and massiveness; recommendations versus requirements; personal opinions should not be forced onto applicants; and he did not feel it was appropriate to state a dislike for the proposed basement. Won Chan, 27478 Black Mountain Road, agreed with the previous speakers and supported the project. Wai Lee Wong, 26333 Aric Lane, supported the project as she felt the applicants have met Town codes and regulations. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 September 11, 1996 Page 3 The Assistant Engineer was asked to explain condition #28, the granting of a storm drain easement to Santa Clara Valley Water District over Matadero Creek and for 25 feet beyond the top of bank. She noted that storm drain easements we requested in a similar manner as pathways, acquiring a piece at a time. With the granting of the easement, the SCV WD will be responsible for maintaining that portion of the creek. Without the granting of the easement, the owner or the Town would be responsible. She further comments that the SC V WD would be able to make improvements to the creek. The proposed improvements would be noticed for public awareness. She felt the granting of the easement would be beneficial to the applicants. She suggested a change in wording to #28, stating "up to 25 feet." Discussion ensued. Commissioner Finn was in favor of the project. Commissioner Schreiner noted that there was a great deal more to building a house than MDA/MFA figures. The Design Guidelines addresses such issues as bulk and mass, referencing code regulations. She further discussed the driveway design in the front setback, setbacks providing privacy and space, being consistent with all applicants, and the proposed skylights. Commissioner Gottlieb discussed privacy and the integrity of setbacks, reduction of the number of windows, and the massiveness. Commissioner Jinkerson commented that at the previous meeting they almost came to a consensus, requesting the applicant to return with minor changes. Tonight, he felt they were going in the opposite direction. He felt they all worked very hard to bring the project back this evening for an approval after reviewing the requested changes. The requested changes were not made as directed by the Planning Commission. MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Commissioner Finn, seconded by Chairman Doran and failed by the following vote, to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool, and spa, Lands of Tan, with the recommended conditions of approval, with the change to condition #28, and for staff to work with the applicant to reduce the SCV WD easement as much as possible. (Condition #16 to remain as stated.) AYES: Chairman Doran & Commissioner Finn NOES: Commissioners Schreiner, Gottlieb, Stutz & Jinkerson ABSENT: Commissioner Cheng MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool, and spa, Lands of Tan, with the same additions/amendments to the conditions of approval as requested at the August 28, 1996 meeting (as listed in the September 11, 1996 staff report): eliminate the drum skylight over the entry; reduce the height of the window and roof element of bedroom 2 shown on the front elevation; reduce the height of the window and roof element of the master bedroom shown on the right (east) elevation; redesign the driveway to be located out of the setback as much as possible; and for staff to work with the applicant to reduce the SCV WD easement as much as possible. AYES: Commissioners Firm, Jinkerson, Schreiner & Gottlieb Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 September 11, 1996 Page 4 NOES: Chairman Doran & Commissioner Stutz ABSENT: Commissioner Cheng This item will be scheduled for the City Council consent calendar October 2, 1996. 3.2 LANDS OF MORSEY, 13081 Alta Lane South (214-95-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, detached garage, pool and spa (continued from May 22, 1996). Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Chairman Doran disclosed that she has listened to the tape of the May 22, 1996 meeting. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Roger Kohler, 721 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto, project architect, noted changes to the project, as directed at the previous meeting. Commissioner Schreiner complimented the architect and applicant for the design changes. Alan Huntzinger, 2443 Ash Street, Palo Alto, Civil Engineer, noted compliance with every suggestion noted at the previous meeting. He further discussed the staking of the story poles and 06 the drainage concerns. Jim Flack, 13070 Alta Lane South, neighbor, voiced support of the project. He suggested increasing the height of the retaining wall to provide more a flatter area for landscaping opportunities. He noted that the power lines to his house were damaged twice during the sewer line construction. It was noted that the City Engineer was following up with PG&E regarding the complaint. Valerie Beaus, 13171 Alta Lane South, downhill neighbor, referred to page 4, paragraph 6 of the staff report regarding the retaining wall to the west of the residence, as she agreed with Mr. Flack's suggestion. Mrs. Beaus voiced support for the project. Alan Huntzinger, Civil Engineer, preferred to leave the slope alone. The Planning Director will discuss this with the Town Geologist and will see if the wall can be designed differently. Mrs. Ruby Lee, 12933 Atherton Court, discussed the retaining wall and the pool on the east side of the property. She referred to land movement and problems with the slope. Ms. Manca had spoken to the Town Geologist who noted that the pool would act as a retaining wall (structurally). Mr. Huntzinger noted that all four walls of the pool would be designed like a retaining wall, but underground. Mr. Huntzinger was questioned regarding the direction of water flow. Mr. Huntzinger prefers to collect all of the water and running it into the arroyo. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 September 11, 1996 Page 5 4 CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Stutz felt the applicant had done a good job moving the pool toward the house. Commissioner Schreiner was concerned with the location of the applicant's boat. She asked if they could condition the boat to be stored. The Planning Director referred to the standard request for a construction and operations plan to be submitted by the applicant. If the boat is in the way of construction and operations, it would have to be moved. He would not want to see the request as a condition of approval. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, detached garage, pool and spa, Lands of Morsey, adding "Alta Lane North" to the wording in condition #22. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Schreiner, Stutz, Gottlieb, Finn & Jinkerson NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cheng This item will be scheduled for the City Council consent calendar October 2, 1996. Brief break at 8:40 p.m. 3.3 LANDS OF ZATPARVAR, 26323 Calle del Sol (131-96-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, tennis court, pool and spa. Ms. Manca introduced this item noting a memo with additional wording to condition #15 and a revised Site Plan. The Assistant Engineer noted that the Town is not concerned with the fence in the road right-of-way since it is a private road at this time. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Bill Churchill, 17 Ashdown Place, Half Moon Bay, project architect, requested a raise in the floor elevation to balance cut and fill. Bob Davenport, 26313 Purissima Road, discussed the three trees on the southwest property line which me old and not in good condition. They lean over onto his property. He would like those trees replaced. Janet McGuigan, 12681 Robleda Road, speaking for a neighbor (Thirza Hibner) located on the east side of the proposed properly commented on the last 100 feet of septic line which appears to be very close to her neighbor's property. The Assistant Engineer explained that the Santa Clara Health Department allows lines to be as close as 10 feet from the property line. Mrs. McGuigan Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 September 11, 1996 Page 6 was also concerned with pool water leakage during an earthquake. Ms. Proft noted that the pool will be designed to comply with earthquake standards. James Vedder, 26355 Calle del Sol, has been a resident for 24 years. He had previously provided staff with a letter which has been included in the staff report. Leslys Vedder, 26355 Calle del Sol, voiced concerns regarding the following: placement and size of the house; rainfall drainage; sewer drain fields; outside lights; construction noise; street parking; chain link fence cutting off part of the turning circle; dust from grading and excavation; house colors; and privacy. She noted that Calle del Sol is a private road. She would prefer the Town take over the road and bring it up to Town standards. It was noted that if the residents on this private road were interested in an offer of dedication to the Town, they would need to meet with the Town to discuss areas needing repair to bring the road up to Town standards prior to discussion of acceptance. The Assistant Engineer referred to Condition #22. Hans Nelson, 26360 Calle del Sol, voiced concern regarding the road and the possible damage to it by construction vehicles. He would like to see the cul-de-sac improved to provide an adequate turnaround. He also requested that the colors for the new project blend with the surroundings, suggesting earthtones. Thing Hibner, 12661 Robleda Road, discussed drainage concerns. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Gottlieb commented on the following: the second story window; moving the house two feet for the neighbor's privacy; and the proposed tennis court. The Planning Director noted that staff was opposed to raising the house two feet as the profile should be kept low. Commissioner Schreiner did not feel the house fit the neighborhood. She referred to the Design Guidelines noting the structure should not dominate. It should be neighbor friendly. She was also concerned with all the floor area available being used although there was not an ordinance requiring the applicant to maintain some of the floor area. She felt something (floor area) should be left for the new owners. Commissioner Finn felt the applicant was working with the neighbors regarding their concerns. The applicant is allowed 9,546 square feet of floor area. Commissioner Jinkerson felt moving the house was helpful. He would like to see the house lowered 3 feet. Commissioner Stutz agreed with the previous comments. She would like the house moved an additional 5 feet from the Vedders. She felt the possible new owners may not want a tennis court, suggesting leaving up to 1,200 square feet to possibly accommodate a cabana or a second unit. She noted that the proposed house is 200 feet long. Commissioner Gottlieb agreed. The house could be moved back 4-5 feet which would help with grading. She would prefer the roof and pad lowered. Chairman Doran noted that the proposed project was within Town ordinances. The owner is entitled to build a tennis court, if desired. She would like to see the house lowered three feet. She was happy to see that the applicant was neighbor friendly. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 September 11, 1996 Page 7 MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Commissioner Finn, seconded by Chairman Doran and failed by the following vote, to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, tennis court, pool and spa, Lands of Zatparvar, with the following additions/amendments to the conditions of approval: structure colors shall be earthtone with a compatible (colored) roof; add to condition #1, the applicant shall revise the plan to relocate the residence 12 feet to the southwest of the setback line; the tennis court shall be reduced in size to 50 feet by 100 feet; and an arborist report shall be submitted regarding the condition of the pine trees located along the southwest property line. AYES: Chairman Doran & Finn NOES: Commissioners Jinkerson, Stutz, Gottlieb & Schreiner ABSENT: Commissioner Cheng Discussion ensued. Mr. Zatparvar noted that he has been working on the project for over four months. He does not want a continuance. He suggested reducing the height by 2 feet, and eliminating the bonus room to keep some floor area in reserve. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Chairman Doran to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, tennis court, pool and spa, Lands of Zatparvar, with the following additions/amendments to the conditions of approval: structure colors shall be earthtone with a compatible (colored) roof; add to condition #1, the applicant shall revise the plan to relocate the residence 12 feet to the southwest; the tennis court shall be reduced in size to 50 feet by 100 feet; an arborist report shall be submitted regarding the condition of the pine trees located along the southwest property line; the pine trees located along the southwest property line shall be removed and special attention shall be given to planting replacement screening trees; reduce the house size by 300 square feet; and the height of the residence shall be reduced so that the roof ridge not exceed the 119 foot elevation (the applicant may work with the Planning Director to raise the pad level slightly). AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Gottlieb, Finn & Schreiner NOES: Commissioners Stutz & Jinkerson ABSENT: Commissioner Cheng This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar October 2, 1996. 3.4 LANDS OF MOSHIER, 26810 Quail Lane (132-96-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool and spa. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. It was noted that the guest quarters is not a secondary dwelling, although there is a fifth parking space available. The Assistant Engineer fielded questions regarding the elimination of the volleyball court and related drainage. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 September 11, 1996 Page 8 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Bill Masten, 384 Castro Street, Mountain View, project architect, provided a model of the project for review noting the removal of the retaining wall and that all fill areas would be reduced 3 feet or less. Also of interest was that three-quarters of the house was one story. He preferred using the architectural site plan and addressing the volleyball court with the landscape plan at the Site Development Committee meeting. He further commented on the following: possibly reducing the size of the tum around; cars puked on the property will not be seen due to the berming; and the purpose of the porte cochere. He asked that the colors and the lighting plan be postponed to be approved with the landscape plan. Ron Benoit, 225 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto, project landscape architect, commented on working with the natural slopes, blending the grading, screening, and saving the existing trees. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Stutz discussed the following: encourages volleyball courts; drainage issues; fire department requirements; the design not impacting the neighbors; and the height of the forte cochere. Commissioner Jinkerson commented on the unusual design and that be would prefer not to delay the choice of colors or the lighting plan submittal. He would like to see the forte cochere height lowered. Commissioner Gottlieb discussed drainage, the possibility of dropping the first garage level down; and she would like the application for the volleyball court to return to the Planning Commission for approval. Commissioner Schreiner discussed the porte cochere height, reduction of pavement in the front and side setbacks, and maintaining the standard conditions regarding color and the lighting plan (conditions #5 and #7). Commissioner Finn supported the project with the reduction of the circular driveway to 11 feet in width, reduce the driveway in the setback, reduce the porte cochere to 18 feet, and maintain standard conditions regarding color and lighting. Mr. Masten commented that the porte cochere was actually 4 feet lower than the elevation. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool and spa, Lands of Moshier, with the following additions/amendments to the conditions of approval: reduce the width of the circular driveway to 10-11 feet; reduce the extent of the driveway in the setback; and lower the height of the porte cochere to a maximum of 18 feet. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Schreiner, Stutz, Gottlieb, Jinkerson & Firm NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cheng This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar October 2, 1996. `+ Brief break at 10:38 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes September 11, 1996 Page 9 Approved 9/25/96 3.5 LANDS OF KRAMER, 27645 Natoma Road (134-96-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool and spa. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Darrel Harris, 10091 Streeter Road, Auburn, project architect, discussed the following: using the existing driveway location to preserve the pine tree (move circular area); the design elements; added trees for screening; and the skylights not visible from the street. Commissioner Schreiner was concerned with the amount of grading on a flat lot and with the proposed retaining wall. Mr. Harris indicated that the grading was for the pool and spa which will be at the same level as the old pool. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Discussion ensued regarding the circular driveway in the setback, and the height of the proposed one story house (25 Y: feet) which the Planning Director addressed. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Commissioner Stutz to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool and spa, Lands of Kramer, with the following additions/amendments to the conditions of approval (staff report recommendation #1): an addition to condition #13, that the pathway along Black Mountain Road shall be engineered to ensure that the pathway avoids flooding during the rainy season. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Gottlieb, Jinkerson, Schreiner, Finn & Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cheng This item will be scheduled for the City Council consent calendar October 2, 1996. 4. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4.1 Planning Commission Representative for the September 4' meeting, Commissioner Schreiner, reported on the following items: colors and materials used in the Stonebrook subdivision; definition of secondary dwelling units; review of Zoning and Site Development ordinance amendments; garbage rates; and Planning Commission decisions/interpretations versus the City Council decisions and interpretations. Scheduling of a joint meeting was suggested. The Planning Director will discuss the request with the Mayor and report back to the Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 September 11, 1996 Page 10 Planning Commission. Mayor Pro Tem Casey and Councilmember Dauber were present and added comments to the report from the City Council meeting. 4.2 Planning Commission Representative for the September 11" meeting - Commissioner Finn. 5. OLD BUSINESS 5.1 Report from subcommittees: Chairman Doran reported that the Planning Issues Subcommittee will be discussing, "improved communication'. 6. NEW BUSINESS None. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the August 28, 1996 minutes. This item will he on the September 25' agenda. 8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 8.1 LANDS OF WONG, 14250 Miranda Road; A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool, fences, fountain, and driveway relocation. Approved with conditions. The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:50 p.m. Res ectfully submitted, Eani LonbergeC%� Planning Secretary L